The Red Cross is gearing up for a Home Fire Preparedness initiative in 2016. Over the last several years, their studies have shown that seven times a day, someone in the United States dies in a house fire. The purpose of the campaign is to help reduce that number, save lives, and prevent injuries. Their goal is to see a 25% reduction of deaths or injuries by home fire in the next 5 years.

According to Miami County Red Cross Executive Director, Lynne Gump, this campaign is one of the most practical services and the least expected or desired. “We like to work with the local fire department,” Gump said. “Everyone loves firefighters and we have some really good ones in Troy.” Their greatest challenge is getting people to allow Red Cross volunteers into their homes to install or check smoke alarms and give the residents an escape plan in the event of a fire. The National Fire Protection Association, estimates that approximately 4% of homes without smoke alarms are more than a quarter of reported fires and at least one-third of the deaths. “Often, older smoke alarms will not go off like they are supposed to,” Gump said. “We train our volunteers to thoroughly check alarms and educate people, based on the floor plan of their home, how best to escape.”

The Red Cross encountered one case last year where volunteers had recently visited a family before their home caught on fire. The family utilized the escape plan given by volunteers and sustained no injuries. “We want to have more success stories like that,” Gump said. “Our case workers often arrive on the scene of a fire to assess the situation and provide support for the families. It might sound really sappy but sometimes the first practical thing we do is offer a hug.” According to Gump, a hug not only gives the victim an opportunity for emotional release but it turns them away from watching the fire consume their home and possessions.

“It takes compassionate people to serve the community like our volunteers do,” Gump said. “And it changes their lives to be involved.” Gump and the other board members at the Miami County Red Cross are looking for more volunteers to participate in the Home Fire Preparedness Campaign in the New Year. The more homes they are able to visit, the more their organization will have the opportunity to promote safety in the community. Everything from key roles with high-level position descriptions to basic documenting and data input are needed. The Red Cross is hoping for partnerships with local businesses and organizations to see this initiative grow exponentially prior to their upcoming Fire Preparedness Rally in Miami County in February.

Interested businesses, organizations, and individuals are encouraged to contact Gump at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or at 937-492-6151. The volunteer link is also available at redcross.com/NMVO.